Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-17
MY NEW MODEL.

81 dare say it will, if you have not
told them anything about it. | said.
! Il could not discover q reason for the
expression of amusement in his dark
eyes; but then L did not know his
! people, as he called them.
| "'Olive,' says auntie, coming into the
room with small basket, would you
mind taking these things to the Dun
newsstand tell them that | shall be
round some time to-day
"'With all the pleasure in life,' [ an
| sWered gaily. i was just longing for
stroll. [ have become quite chilly
standing here SO long, and went off
to don hat and jacket.
when came back, Mr.. Ray met me
at the door.
"'Have you any objection to my es-
cortp he asked-he was holding the
basket, and auntie had vanished. Miss
Milburne suggested that two young
! people could amuse themselves much
better together than apart
VERY true Of my SagaciOuS auntle,
I said in a matter-of-fact tone, ignor-
! ing the expressive manner in which he
had delivered auntie's message. She
knows | don't particularly enjoy my
own society,"
"'And anybody's in that case is bet
ter than none, suppose?' he observed
wistfully.
Generally I assented; and with
out another word we started, he swing
threatened destruction to anything
brittle within it. i think you had bet
ter moderate your action [ warned
him. There are eggs in that basket,
and smash might make a cuStard Of
| the contents
"He left off swinging at once; but he
did not condescend to thank me for my
advice. / made few more remarks,
only to meet with very curt answers,
and conversation languished, which
was the more surprising seeing that
| generally, as auntie had remarked, we
could find something to talk about
out of nothing
"At last we reached the Dunnows'
cottage, and, having left the basket
and message, we turned to retrace our
steps; but [ did not fancy the idea of
walking home in the same glum silent
fashion, so I started conversation
| briskly-
az fancy auntie rather failed in her
sagacity tO-day-We might be miles
apart for all the amusement we derive
from each other
"'You wouldn't care a pin if you
| were, udIo Say.
eff we were What?' I asked in
amaZement at his changed tone.
"'Miles apart
Not having thought of my feelings
in such a case, [ had no answer ready;
so | looked at the sea and pondered the
queStion-'Y es' or 'No'-if the sulky
young gentleman now at my side were
! suddenly transported, should [ have
enough feeling in the matter to care
a pin,' or should L
"'Olive-Miss Dallas!' Mr. Ray was.
standing directly before me, looking
into my face with eager eyes, his face
flushing and paling alternately. He
paused for second and then contin-
can you try tO-if, that is
Before he could get out any more he
was interrupted.
"'Oh, please, sir, I'm so glad to see
you! Here's d telegram for you, sir
and | didn't know but what it might
be important, please. sir
"He was q Spruce-loOking man who
accOsted Mr.. Ray so suddenly, and now
stood looking very Sheepish as he held
out yellow envelope.
"Mr. Ray turned with deep-draWn
breath, took the telegram from the
mans hand, and tore it open. I
watched him as he read, and soon saw
| that the news it contained was not
alarming; he looked veXed, but that
was all.
"'Quite right, WEIGH, he said to the
waiting servant. 1t is important; but
there is nothing wrong. Put me up a
bag, and look me out the next conYen-
lent train to tOwn-I'll meet you at the
Lions Head" in half an hour Then,
turning to me, he said, AN awful nui-
sance! | shall have to leave at once.
Shall you be here when [ return?'
L have settled to stay here during
the summer
"'Ah. [ shall be back again in less
than a week, [ hope; but don't want
to lose you again.
Mr.. Ray [ interrupted, laughing,
when did you first lose me?'
81 will tell you when [ come back
looking at me steadily-'an also what
I was going to tell you when that fell
low stopped me. Do you feel any curl
Osity to know what it wasp
Am | not woman answered,
'and is not curiosity woman's besetting
sin?'
"'That is only general answer he
said somewhat impatiently; and then
he added very irreleyantly, I wish l
could paint
What put that idea into your
headY / asked in establishments; it was
| the first time [ had heard of any such
| longing on his part.
If could paint, would paint you
as you stand now, with your cheeks
the color of don't know anything
pretty enough; and the wind has blown
| your hair into the most tantalizing of
little curls-there is one just by your
ear that wouldn't be half a second if a
| pair Of scissors were within reach! /
wish had a picture of you. Have you
photograph of yourself?'
"'Dozens!' replied promptly, doing
my best to check a growing tendency
ON his part to get sentimental. sAuntie
keeps them all, so that / can refresh
myself, when | grow old, with visions
of what l used to be-
Il was talking utter rubbish just for
the sake Of talking; but do not think
my companion was listening to me.
With puckered brows he was staring
on the ground; and, when stopped,
he turned round, and, to my relief,
walked on without any more sentiment
tai wishes or regrets.
| am coming in to wish Miss Mill